Sport magazine issue 271

Issue 271 | August 31 2012

Prodigal son Danny Cipriani is back

issue 271, August 31 2012 Radar 05 Madden returns And EA have made their game more ridiculously real than ever

06 Deadline day panic purchases It’s not just Sky that loses the plot just before the window shuts

08 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay City workers and Sport’s ed flog themselves for charity. No, really

oFeatures this coming week

16 Danny Cipriani He’s back, and in reflective mood after two years spent hitting the headlines down under

23 Chris Ashton Saracens’ new man on his summer move – and the possible return of the Ash Splash

16

31 Joleon Lescott The centre back talks up City’s chances of retaining their title

34 Simon Jordan On how to run a football club – and he’s as diplomatic as you’d expect

05

40 Stef Reid The Paralympic long jump, 100m and 200m star has high hopes for lots of medals in London

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Cover image: jameslincoln.co.uk

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extra time 52 Kit Get yourself all rugby chic ahead of the new Premiership season with our selection of tops

54 Heather Fell The European modern pentathlon silver-medallist does almost everything in fives – as you would

56 Grooming Ditch the disposables and shave your visage like you’ve got a pair

58 Gadgets A washable keyboard – for when you leave it in your back pocket | August 31 2012 | 03

Radar

Snaps, sacks W and safeties

p06 – The best and worst deadline day deals

p08 – Your daily commute, on a BMX p08 – Sport helps run a few bankers down

e’re already weeks into the Proper Football season, of course, but our cross-Atlantic cousins are a little slow – the NFL season doesn’t begin until Wednesday, when Super Bowl champs the New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys.

With a new season comes an updated virtual

facsimile, and Madden NFL 13 boasts an array of improvements, including the ability to pick out exactly where you want to place your pass in relation to the receiver: high or low, over his shoulder, or – if you’re feeling particularly spiteful – square in the back of the head.

Madden NFL 13, out today

| August 31 2012 | 05

Radar

Panic at the deadline

HIT Wayne Rooney Everton to Manchester United, August 2004 Signing an injured, barely proven (Euro 2004 aside) teenager for £25.6m is a potential disaster, but 182 goals and a haul of trophies later shows Sir Alex got this one right.

HIT Marouane Fellaini Standard Liege to Everton, September 2008 £15m seemed steep, but a classy handful of a player lurks beneath that Jackson Five afro.

Fellaini bullied Man Utd on the opening weekend, and is now an integral part of the Everton team.

Style first T

All pictures Getty Images

he problem with protective headgear is that it tends to make you look, as Joey Barton would put it, like a bit of a helmet. Hövding is an invisible bicycle helmet - you wear it around your neck, but when its sensors detect that you’re involved in an accident, it instantly inflates like a car airbag to protect your melon and the precious goo within. £355, hovding.com

06 | August 31 2012 |

HIT Rafael van der Vaart Real Madrid to Tottenham, August 2010 When Real offered a ‘summer madness’ £10m discount sale on gifted Dutch playmakers (just £8m while stocks last), Tottenham smartly bit their royal hand off.

O

ur guide to the Premier League transfer deadline days’ biggest hits and misses shows that big-money deals needn’t be a disaster. Except when they are

MISS Jean-Alain Boumsong Rangers to Newcastle, January 2005 He was available on a free only months earlier, so naturally Graeme Souness bid £8m for the French defender in the very next transfer window. Turned out to be a bit crap.

MISS Robinho Real Madrid to Manchester City, September 2008 The Brazilian referring to his new club as “Chelsea” in a press conference set the tone.

Showed flashes of brilliance, but was more trouble than his £32.5m fee was worth.

MISS Andy Carroll Newcastle to Liverpool, January 2010 £3.5m for a raw but potentially dangerous young striker was good business, most Liverpool fans thought. Then they saw there was no decimal point in the price – and wept.

Pass it on L

ike male pattern baldness, there’s something inevitable about the way an obsession with football gets passed down the family line. That’s the touching subject of The Footballer Who Could Fly by Duncan Hamilton, twice winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. He charts the development of the sport from when his dad started watching in the 1940s to now, all against the backdrop of the unique relationship between father, son and football.

The Footballer Who Could Fly, Duncan Hamilton (Century), £14.99

Radar

Mobile madness B

MX proved a sleeper hit at the Games, as we fell in love with the action-packed racing, incredible skill and... okay, we’ll be honest. It was just the crashes. They were awesome.

Unfortunately, BMX bikes rank alongside pogo sticks in terms of viability as a daily mode of transport. But you can inject a little of that excitement into your commute with the limited-edition kansi F20 folding bike. It’s styled to resemble the popular Skyway BMX bikes of the 1980s, and is resplendent with 20-inch Skyway tyres.

There are only 100 available, but snap one up quickly and you’ll be the envy of your packed train carriage every morning – assuming said carriage is full of teenagers. Radical! £699. List of stockists available at kansi.co.uk

Race time W

e’re counting down the seconds until Formula 1 restarts on Sunday.

But if our watch was as stylish as this, we’d be sat still, staring at our wrist as the lights go out and the cars speed off without us (aka ‘doing a Ricardo Rosset’).

We’re totally won over by the Omega Speedmaster Racing’s dial design, inspired by the dashboards of classic Italian cars. It was wildly popular with motorsport drivers in the 1950s, because its subdials offer a super-reliable timekeeping performance.

Racing drivers have computers to do that for them now, of course, but you can’t carry those around on your wrist. Frankly, even if you could, this is a far more handsome option.

From £2,960; omegawatches.com

08 | August 31 2012 |

City kickers

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thousand bankers on the run – no, it’s not the start of a terrible financial crisis joke, but the sixth edition of the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay.

Sport is a media partner for the event, which will see more than 100 teams of 10 hit the streets, stairways and alleys of London for a unique 10-mile relay race around the heart of the City.

The winners get £5,000 for their chosen charity, and the standard of competition is high – last year’s winning time was 48 minutes 50 seconds. We’ll be there, hopefully somewhere near the front, anchored by our editor, Simon ‘Mo Farah’ Caney. There’s still plenty of time to get a team together if you fancy taking us on.

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay, Thursday September 20; squaremilesport.com/london

T H E

N E W

F R A G R A N C E

Radar Editor’s letter

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Reliant on Robin: if United are to regain the title, much will depend on their new talisman

One small step for Van That Robin van Persie has hit the ground running could represent a giant leap for Man Utd

S Deputy editor Tony Hodson @tonyhodson1

ir Alex Ferguson has not been averse to spending big in his time at Manchester United, but few of his signings have been more about the here and now than that of Robin van Persie.

Last Saturday showed just why Fergie was so keen to splash £24m of the Glazers’ barely earned cash on a 29-year-old with a reputation for being injury-prone.

Five days after that tame defeat to Everton, and a goal down to a confident Fulham, United needed a swift response.

And they got it, the Dutchman blasting home with the kind of exquisite left-footed half-volley with which he made his name in eight years at Arsenal.

It was by no means a match-winner, of course, and van Persie needs to put away a good few more if United are going to get value for their money. But the encouraging news for Fergie is that his man seems to

have arrived in much the same form – and, crucially, fitness – that saw him bang in 44 goals for club and country last season.

And herein lies the rub. Ferguson is well aware that the tide has turned – that both Manchester City and Chelsea have more money and scope to develop in the seasons to come. But, for the first time in his long career, the Scot is less interested in the future than he is in the present. He wants to win the Premier League one final time before he bids farewell to the club he has nurtured for so long, and he realises as much as the rest of us that that means doing it sooner rather than later.

But, with a fragile defence sat behind a soft-centred midfield, that also means he needs a greater firepower than he has ever had at his disposal. Time will tell whether van Persie represents that, but if his goals do carry United to another title then his signature will prove priceless.

I was at Wembley for the final of rugby league’s Challenge Cup on Saturday, when Warrington Wolves deservedly lifted the trophy for a third time in four years. Perhaps of more portent for the future, however, was the national Year 7 schools final that took place on the very same pitch an hour earlier. No surprise to see Castleford Academy providing one of the teams, but quite the shock to see them lose to a side from the brilliantly named Howard of Effingham School in Surrey.

Rugby league is a sport that will always belong to the north, but the signs are that it definitely has a future in the south.

It’s almost two years since Europe’s sensational Ryder Cup win at a soggy Celtic Manor, but as of Sunday we know the team that Jose Maria Olazabal will take to Medinah next month. The build-up has started, and I really can’t wait.

Editorial Editor-in-chief: Simon Caney (7951) Deputy editor: Tony Hodson (7954) Associate editor: Nick Harper (7897) Art editor: John Mahood (7860) Deputy art editor: William Jack (7861) Digital designer: Chris Firth (7624) Subeditor: Graham Willgoss (7431) Senior writers: Sarah Shephard (7958), Alex Reid (7915) Staff writers: Mark Coughlan (7901), Amit Katwala (7914) Picture editor: Julian Wait (7961) Production manager: Tara Dixon (7963) Contributors: David Lawrenson, Claire Nash, Adam Goldstein Commercial Agency Sales Director: Iain Duffy (7991) Business Director (Magazine and iPad): Paul Brett (7918) Business Director: Kevin O’Byrne (7832) Advertising Manager: Steve Hare (7930) New Business Sales Executive: Hayley Robertson (7904) Brand Creative Director: Adam Harris (7426) Distribution Manager: Sian George (7852) Distribution Assistant: Makrum Dudgeon Head of Online: Matt Davis (7825) Head of Communications: Laura Wootton (7913) Managing Director: Adam Bullock PA to Managing Director: Sophia Koulle (7826) Colour reproduction: Rival Colour Ltd Printed by: Wyndeham Group Ltd © UTV Media plc 2012 UTV Media plc takes no responsibility for the content of advertisements placed in Sport magazine £1 where sold Hearty thanks this week to: Sam Feasey, Oli Ward, Ed Airey, Duncan Ross

Cover of the Year

Reader comments of the week Again @simoncaney spot on with KP view. All chat that he should be picked as he’s our best is tosh. SA #1 thru working as team, not individuals

Great piece in @Sportmaguk on @JonniePeacock.

Dilemma on who to cheer, Jonnie or @OscarPistorius

Well done @sportmaguk great #Paralympics coverage in today’s issue

@Sportistblog Twitter

@Jamiehockin Twitter

@shirleysauyinip Twitter

@paulnray Twitter

10 | August 31 2012 |

“Olympics change the way you feel in a positive way but Paralympics change the way you think.” True.

By @clarebalding in @sportmaguk

LAUNCH OF THE YEAR

2008

Total Average Distribution: 305,676 Jan-Jun 2012 Don’t forget: Help keep public transport clean

and tidy for everyone by taking your copy of Sport away with you when you leave the bus or train.

@ElinaGrigoriou Twitter

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Just reading @SportmagUK interview with Paralympian Sarah Storey – think she may be one of the most amazing people ever!

Frozen in time

Johannes Simon/Getty Images

Beef burghers

14 | August 31 2012 |

A man riding a massive cow efficiently while dressed in traditional lederhosen? No prizes for guessing we’re in Deutschland this week, readers, where we find Martin Breiter roaring to victory at the fifth Ox-racing Championships in Muensing.

The victorious ‘jockey’ looks happy enough, having beaten off stiff competition from several bank managers and Heidi. Afterwards, they celebrated with an ‘ox ball’, featuring a feast of roasted ox – hence that big cow looking so non-plussed.

| 15

Danny Cipriani

“People don’t know the full story” Photography James Lincoln

The most exciting player these shores have produced or the man who ran away to Australia when the going got tough. Whatever your opinion, there’s no denying Danny Cipriani is a headline maker. And, after two years down under, the fly half wants to set the record straight

A

s we sit in his living room talking to rugby star Danny Cipriani, two things spring to mind. First, the 24-year-old appears very sure of how he got where he is and where he wants to go from here. Dare we say he’s a more mature man than we expected?

The second thing that stands out, though, as we talk about his life both on and off the field, is that Cipriani isn’t able to say what he really thinks.

“People read stuff in the paper and take it as gospel,” the former Wasps man tells us when talking about his time in Australia. “But they don’t know the full story. Things went on that people don’t know about because the club doesn’t release everything, so that’s frustrating. But it’s just something that you have to deal with and not get distracted by.”

Cipriani, you feel, doesn’t give too much away to people he doesn’t know. And who can blame him?

In just five years, the enigmatic England international has made more front pages than back, and has been through high-profile relationships, serious injuries and the highs and lows of his beloved sport — all played out across the papers for your Sunday morning entertainment.

“Yeah, the press have been on my case since I was 16 or 17,” Cipriani accepts. “It was a realisation early on, but it’s something you never really get used to. You can never really understand how much you are in the spotlight until you see yourself in the papers. The important thing for me is to learn

16 | August 31 2012 |

from the mistakes so the media have nothing to report.” And therein lies the biggest question mark over Cipriani. After two years with the Melbourne Rebels in Australia, Sale have taken a gamble in signing this mercurial talent. Once as likely to light up a pitch as he was to get charged down in his own 22, Cipriani insists he’s a changed man and is returning to the Premiership a better player – and one who is ready to focus on rugby, as opposed to life off the pitch.

RISE TO FAME It’s been an incredible five years for the new Sale man, who arrived on the scene just as the post-2003 World Cup euphoria was dying down. Jonny Wilkinson was the darling of English rugby and dominated column inches, bedroom walls and televisions across the nation. But Cipriani offered something different – something not so very English. The story goes that Wasps coach Ian McGeechan told his young starlets that he wanted them to do something new to impress him in training, so Cipriani ran a diagonal line in front of his centres and bounced the ball between his legs directly into his teammates’ path. A defence was bamboozled, and a star — and the poster boy for a new, more exciting brand of rugby — was born.

Success came pretty quickly with Wasps, where he signed when he was just 17, and Cipriani still holds a real affection for the club. “I’ll always be thankful for what Wasps did for me,“ he says. “Shaun [Edwards] and Warren [Gatland] allowed me to ease my way into the professional game by playing at full back and >

Danny Cipriani

learning from Alex King, watching what he did at fly half. They bred me to take over the fly half role and, when Alex left at the start of the 2007-08 season, they threw me in there.” For some, stepping into the fly half position at such a famous club — then Heineken Cup holders — aged just 19 would be too much too soon. Not for Cipriani.

“It’s a step up, but it’s all rugby – so why would I be scared?“ he asks. “That’s what I’d been training for. All the classroom sessions, all the on-field sessions. Brian Ashton and the young academy systems really prepared us for that big stage and that chance to show what you’ve got, so confidence wasn’t a problem. At that level, confidence and how you approach the game is key. If you do think it’s a big step and you are overawed, you’ll be a couple of steps behind everyone else. You’ve got to go in and believe you deserve to be there.”

Cipriani certainly believed in himself, and he took no time in making his mark on the pitch, leading Wasps to the Premiership final before injury cruelly cut his season short. For the young fly half, though, his first season will always be remembered — as so much else in his career to date — for controversy, specifically that surrounding his international debut

18 | August 31 2012 |

ground fracas with Josh Lewsey. “That just frustrated me because it was the sort of thing that happens on training grounds every week,” he explains. “But, because it was me, it was a big story.” He continued to appear in gossip columns and celebrity spots, mainly because of his highly publicised relationship with model Kelly Brook. Some questioned whether Cipriani was focused on his game, but he just shrugs.

“It’s the world we live in, but it does get frustrating,” he says. “I’ve come to a point where you just can’t let it affect you. I’m not trying to prove myself one way or the other. I just play my rugby and live my life.

Whatever people want to take out of that, they can.”

TIME FOR A CHANGE If avoiding the headlines was Cipriani’s aim, then 2010 can be filed under ’unsuccessful’. Making the decision to become the marquee signing for new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels (above), Cipriani came under fire from all sides for walking way from international rugby. “I wasn’t really getting a look in with Martin Johnson,” he explains. “So it seemed the right thing to do. I came to the decision that I could further improve my game by giving myself a new challenge, then come back at 24 and fight my way into the reckoning for the next World Cup. It was a big decision and I did think about it for a long time, of course, but playing in the Super 15 was always a dream for me – so it was good to tick that one off the bucket list, as it were.”

So did he really fall out with the then England boss?

“No, we didn’t fall out. He basically said it’s going to be difficult for me to pick you if you’re over there, which is fair enough, but I wasn’t getting picked when I >

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Scott Barbour/Getty Images

“The press have been on my case since I was 16 or 17”

in March. Picked to play in the white of England for the first time, Cipriani was all set to light up the international stage when he was snapped leaving a nightclub at 12.30am three days before the game.

Ashton, then head coach, immediately dropped him, and the Wasps man made his debut on the national papers’ front pages. “I think they [the England coaching team] just panicked a bit,” Cipriani explains when we ask about the incident. “They apologised after, but they just hadn’t had that situation before.

I was a unique case in rugby because there was so much interest in me, so that’s why they handled it the way they did, I guess.”

Suitably scolded, Cipriani had just a week to wait until he did make his international debut in the 33-10 win over Ireland. “It was an absolute dream come true, especially considering we played so well and got such a big win,” he says. But the media had already made their mind up about him, and his front page headlines sold more papers than the back.

Embedded in the national consciousness, and arguably taking Wilkinson’s place as the best-known rugby player outside of the sport, Cipriani continued to impress on the field, but injury limited his international chances. Even worse, Wasps were starting to struggle after the departure of the old guard, and many of Cipriani’s teammates headed for foreign shores. Off the field, the headlines kept on coming, though, as Cipriani was involved in a training

Danny Cipriani

“I‘m more aware of my responsibilities and things that I have to deal with”

Shark’s teeth: Cipriani is hungry to make his mark

was here anyway. I just felt like I had to go develop my game somewhere else, and I thought that was the best place to do it.”

Sadly, life in Australia wasn’t all it was cracked up to be – and, for a media darling like Cipriani, probably not the ideal environment. Not that he’ll admit it.

“Unfortunately, the Rebels were a new franchise trying to find their feet, and that made it all a bit unprofessional,“ he reflects. “I enjoyed my time at the Rebels, and learned a lot while there, but there’s no getting away from the fact that they just weren’t used to handling the media – so when things happened off the field, they weren’t great at protecting the players.”

Ah, yes, those off-the-field incidents again. Cipriani didn’t take long to make headlines down under, as he

20 | August 31 2012 |

was accused of stealing a bottle of vodka from a Melbourne club after his first game. The club were quick to fine their new star man. “I never took a bottle of vodka, the nightclub just sold the story back home to make some money,“ he says. “It was a few of the lads and me in a club, and we were just larking about and moved a bottle of vodka. The nightclub decided to sell the story to make money and the Rebels didn’t know how to handle it, so they just fined me. It was a bit like that early incident with England.”

It was another controversial night that left a sour taste with Cipriani, though, as he had a night out with teammate Richard Kingi that saw the duo dropped from a tour to South Africa. Kingi was later reinstated, with Cipriani left to sit in the stands. “There was no curfew or anything on that night, and we came back late because we were in Sydney and had some friends over there. The problem is there were other things going on behind the scenes at the club that meant they took it more seriously. It is what it is, and I accept that I shouldn’t have been out so late, but I didn’t realise it would affect me so much.”

Cipriani insists that there are no hard feelings with the Melbourne side. “I loved my time there and I made friends that I’ll keep for life,” he says. But the damage was done, and when the opportunity arose to move back to his homeland with Sale Sharks, it was one he jumped at.

HOMEWARD BOUND As Cipriani talks through his career highlights and lowlights, it becomes clear that a lot has been blown out of proportion, and we start to get the feeling he

might not be this unmanageable international playboy figure we’ve heard so much about. In fact, making the decision to move to Australia aged just 22, to further his career, seems like a fairly smart move – and the England man seems very measured in every decision he takes. So, Cipriani is back and ready to start letting his rugby do the talking.

After a turbulent five years, though, would he change anything? “Of course,” he points out. “I’m not arrogant enough to say everything is perfect. I’d have handled things better with Martin Johnson for one thing, but I can’t look back too much because I would live my life in frustration. A lot has happened to me, but I believe it’s made me a better player, so I’m looking forward to just playing.”

So that’s it. Cipriani has a clear idea of what he wants from his career and how he has got to where he is. For any player, this maturity would be impressive. But when it comes from a player with the sort of reputation and baggage that Cipriani carries, it is an even more pleasant surprise.

Before we go, though, we have to ask if he goes in for the old cliche. Are you a changed man, Danny?

“I wouldn’t say a changed man,” he smiles. “I’m just a bit more aware of my responsibilities and things that I have to deal with. I know that I have to act a certain way when I’m in the public eye, but I’m just focused on doing a job here. Everything I’ve been through has made me narrow-minded and focused on my rugby, so I’m ready to make a mark back in England.”

Cipriani is ready to make more headlines — let’s just hope they’re at the right end of the paper.

Mark Coughlan @coffers83

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wide boy Chris Ashton

After five years learning his trade at Northampton, flying winger Chris Ashton made the move south to Saracens this summer. On the eve of the new Aviva Premiership season, we caught up with the capital’s latest star attraction >

| August 31 2012 | 23

Chris Ashton

What are the major differences you’ve noticed between Saracens and Northampton?

“A rugby club’s a rugby club, and there aren’t that many differences when you get to a certain level, other than the people that are in it. Northampton’s quite a young team and I grew up with a lot of the lads, so we were all quite friendly. Here, there are a few older lads and a different mix of backgrounds, so there’s a different culture. It’s more of a family club. They focus on looking after families, whereas we were all a bit younger at Northampton. We’ve done a lot of team bonding and a lot of stuff to get to know each other pre-season. At Northampton, we’d play together and probably end up going out together – but it was never really organised.”

How hard was the decision to leave?

“It was a big decision because I’d been there so long.

They got me into the England squad and they taught me everything I know about rugby, so it was a big risk to leave. People can get comfortable at one place, too, because you understand what they want and you know what you need to do. When you move, that starts again, and I felt like I just wanted to test myself again. I’m starting again with people I don’t know, and starting to understand how different things work and that the club is run differently.

I’m glad I did, but it’s always a risk.”

It’s been a pretty tough 12 months for you. How much are you looking forward to a fresh start?

“Last year was a tough year. It started with the World Cup, so it was hard to come back into the

24 | August 31 2012 |

season, especially after all the stuff that went on in New Zealand. After that, you’re constantly fighting and trying to catch up for your club, and then the season’s over before you realise. This year, I had a good break and I’ve had a good pre-season, so I feel better for it. I’ve played a few pre-season games and I’ve enjoyed it – so yeah, I think we’ll go well.”

You don’t actually have a home stadium yet, though.

Is it going to affect the side, having to travel around and play home games all over the place?

“No, we’ve talked about this in the club and we laugh about the idea of people thinking they’ve got an advantage over us because we’re playing at different grounds. It’s what Saracens are known for, really – they always moved around a lot before they made Watford a base for so long. In a way, it’s nice to do things differently. It gives us a chance to get the club known around England and not just in north London. Anyway, we’ll be playing at Wembley and playing at Twickenham — who doesn’t want to do that?”

Have you set yourself any targets as a club?

“Not really. The goal is to win every game, same as it is at every club. There comes a point in the season — probably around Christmas — where you take stock of where you are and how many players you have fit and so on, and you make plans and set targets. At the start, though, you just go out to win every game, and that’s just the way it is.“ What about personal targets? Do you ever set yourself any?

“No, I literally just go out, try to play my best and try to get as much as I can out of the game without just trying to drift through the game. I’m not someone who hides on the wing, so I go out to make an impact and make sure I’m known for doing

something in a game. That’s my only target. I don’t set myself a number of tries to get or whatever.“ The club have a lot of strength in depth. Do you think the increased competition will help keep you motivated?

“It’s pretty hard to say. We’ve got quite a big squad and everyone’s an international or a good club player. That’s key to winning these games, because it’s such a long season. You’ve got to rotate so that, when it comes to the big games at the end of the season, you’re ready to fight for every point. That’s what Sarries did when they ended up winning the league, so I expect the same this year.“ So you’re happy being part of a rotation policy?

“I’d love to play every week, obviously, but sometimes you’re away with England or playing week in week out, and it does take its toll on you – even though you might not think it does. In my head, I’ll be pushing to keep playing, but sometimes it’s better to have that break – and they do that quite well here. So I’m happy to let the coaches make the choices.“ Finally, have we really seen the last of the famous Ash Splash?

“Nah, I don’t know yet. It wasn’t worth the stick, let me tell you that!“ Even if you’ve got a 60m run in against France in the Six Nations?

[Laughs] “We’ll see...“ Mark Coughlan @coffers83 Chris Ashton plays for Saracens Rugby Club, who are sponsored by Allianz, one of the world’s leading financial services providers. Visit www.allianz.co.uk

“It was a bIg deCIsIon to leave northaMpton.

I wanted to test Myself agaIn – and I’M glad I dId. I’M startIng agaIn wIth people I don’t know”

David Rogers/Getty Images

How are you enjoying life at Saracens so far?

“It’s really good, yeah. I’m really enjoying it.

This is a great club and they really look after the players. The whole club’s a really close-knit team, so I’m really enjoying every minute.”

SOMEONE’S GOT TO PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF

The IPS XII – Battle Gear for the Battle Field With a new Impact Protection System, 12 impact zones and increased CM2 (that’s better coverage for accidentally-on-purpose late tackling), plus special ventilated mesh panels to keep your temperature down. www.kooga-rugby.com

Aviva Premiership

HERE WE GO Coach Gary Gold Captain Stuart Hooper Opening game Worcester (a)

Coach Rob Baxter Captain Tommy Hayes Opening game Sale (h)

Coach Nigel Davies Captain Jim Hamilton Opening game Northampton (h)

Coach Conor O’Shea Captain Chris Robshaw Opening game Wasps (a)

What’s changed Retirement and injury have signalled the departures of Lewis Moody, Duncan Bell, Andy Beattie and the fleet-footed David Flatman, while Horacio Agulla won’t arrive until post Rugby Championship.

Paul James and Rob Webber add experience to the front row.

What’s changed Heineken Cup rugby is coming to Sandy Park, and Rob Baxter has moved to bolster his squad with eight new arrivals in preparation. Experience in the form of Kai Horstmann and Dean Mumm, plus the power of Fijian Watisoni Votu in the backs, ensures the Chiefs have a few more options.

What’s changed A new director of rugby and a new coach, for one thing.

Rory Lawson, Luke Narraway and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu are the big departures, but they’ve been replaced by Jimmy Cowan, Ben Morgan and Billy Twelvetrees in Nigel Davies’ new-look side.

What’s changed Not a lot, as you’d expect when you’ve just won the Premiership. Ben Botica has arrived to challenge Nick Evans at 10, while Dave Ward comes in to provide cover at hooker. Danny Care’s new contract is the key signing, while Tomas Vallejos is the only notable departure.

They’re likely to... struggle to hit the ground running. The West Country side have suffered with small squad syndrome in recent years, and haven’t bulked up enough yet again.

Tom Heathcote’s injury puts a lot of pressure on Stephen Donald (pictured), especially with the coaches hinting at a structured kicking game this season. The pack has the power to back it up, but does Donald have the consistency to provide it?

Coaches Gary Gold, Mike Ford, Toby Booth et al were Bath’s most important signings of the summer, but it’ll take time to make their mark.

Safety will do this time round.

They’re likely to... be stretched on various fronts. The Heineken Cup — plus increased international recognition — is sure to take its toll; and while Baxter is the king of getting the most out of his players, the new faces (Mumm aside) aren’t of the same quality as the current crop.

Ignacio Mieres (pictured) and Gareth Steenson are key to controlling the side, but the Chiefs are now a scalp and their honeymoon period is over.

A battle for Heineken Cup qualification awaits, and we can see them just about running out of steam. Still, they love being underestimated.

They’re likely to... return to challenging at the top. The arrivals of Cowan and Morgan in particular will have Shedheads excited about the season to come, because controlling the game at the breakdown has so often been their problem, while Twelvetrees could help get the most out of Jonny May (pictured) and the rest of a talent-filled back line.

They’ve been poor on the road in recent years, but Davies led the Scarlets to wins in both Cardiff and Northampton last season. More of the same for his new West Country boys, and Heineken Cup rugby will be back at the Shed.

They’re likely to... challenge at the top, as opposed to leading from the front. Quins have built their own little haven down in west London, and nobody likes to visit the Stoop. Home form will be key for O’Shea’s men, though, because winning the title means they’ll be a major target for every side.

Progress in the Heineken Cup is the next step for Chris Robshaw (pictured) and his men, while an opening three league games against London Wasps, London Welsh and Sale will be seen as must-win encounters for the side to continue last season’s momentum.

Our prediction 9th

Our prediction 8th

Our prediction 4th

Our prediction 3rd

26 | August 31 2012 |

Page Not Uploaded in Mistral

Coach Jim Mallinder Captain Dylan Hartley Opening game Gloucester (a)

Coach Bryan Redpath Captain David Seymour Opening game Exeter (a)

Coach Mark McCall Captain Steve Borthwick Opening game London Irish (h)

Coach Richard Hill Captain Dean Schofield Opening game Bath (h)

What’s changed The losses of Chris Ashton, Roger Wilson, Jon Clarke and James Downey are all big for the Saints, but Dom Waldouck can help ease the pain. Up front, Gerrit-Jan van Velze comes with a great name and a reputation as a battering ram – but the Saints look weaker this season

What’s changed Yet another side with a new man at the helm, the Sharks have gone for youth in their summer signings, with Danny Cipriani and Richie Gray their two – very different – marquee names. Cameron Shepherd brings Super XV experience to the back three, meanwhile.

What’s changed Chris Ashton is the big-name arrival at Saracens this summer, while Hugh Vyvyan is their only notable departure ahead of the new campaign. Their new home in Barnet won’t be ready until February, so the big change this year is Sarries’ nomadic existence.

What’s changed Half their side, basically. Out go Marcel Garvey, Miles Benjamin, Tom Arscott, Kai Horstmann and Dale Rasmussen to name just a few, and in come David Lemi, Nikki Walker, Jon Clarke, Paul Hodgson, Dean Schofield and John Andress.

They’re likely to... be up against it to emulate recent success, because their back line looks a shadow of what it was last season. Mallinder rightfully receives a lot of plaudits for what he did with Northampton, but they’ve struggled since that Heineken Cup capitulation to Leinster and only just made the top four last season. Their pack will dominate sides, and getting Courtney Lawes (pictured) fully fit will be a priority, but Clarke and Downey offered power in the centres whereas George Pisi and Waldouck will try to play cleverly. It’s a new direction for Northampton – but we can see it falling short of the top four this time.

They’re likely to... blow a bit hot and cold. Gray’s arrival adds yet more mobility to a powerful pack alongside Andy Powell and skipper David Seymour, while Cipriani could be the missing spark to ignite an exciting back line, with Rob Miller (pictured) in particular set for a big season. The Sharks also boast the advantage of those Friday night games, because Manchester on a Friday night isn’t always the nicest place to go (on the pitch, that is). The problem comes in their lack of depth. A few key injuries, or international call-ups, and they could struggle – which could see them missing out on the top four mix.

They’re likely to... start with a bang at home to London Irish, and pretty much lead from the front all season. Sarries have gone from strength to strength, and the arrival of Ashton could signal the start of the more expansive style of rugby that Mark McCall has promised.

Jacques Burger’s injury is a blow, but new signing Nick Fenton-Wells can step up to this level quickly. Another plus is Charlie Hodgson’s (pictured) international retirement, meaning they have a steady head to lead the backs during the Six Nations. With quality cover in every position, it’ll take a lot to stop them.

They’re likely to... struggle to make a major impact, but the Warriors will take a relatively safe season this time out. Richard Hill has been known to get the most out of his players, and the arrival of both Phil Vickery and Mathieu Rourre behind the scenes is a big boost. David Lemi and Nikki Walker are better finishers than the men they’re replacing, while Andy Goode (pictured) at 10 and Paul Hodgson at nine represents a stronger axis than a lot of sides can boast this season. The lack of cover in some key positions is a worry, definitely, but the Warriors should still be fine.

Our prediction 6th

Our prediction 5th

Our prediction 1st

Our prediction 10th

28 | August 31 2012 |

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From Wolverhampton Wanderer to Premier League winner, it’s been quite a ride for Joleon Lescott. We caught up with the Man City centre half...

e

ven now, after a staCked sporting summer and with the new Premier League season well under way, the manner in which Manchester City won their first Premier League title still takes the breath away.

The overriding emotion for City fans and players, mixed with joy and amazement of course, would have been one of relief — they’d thrown it away, clawed it back, and then almost chucked it away again.

No one will have been more relieved when Sergio Aguero’s last-minute strike rippled the Etihad net than Joleon Lescott. It was his mistake, a mistimed header, earlier in the game that had allowed Djibril Cisse to equalise for QPR; it was threatening to be a disappointing end to what had been an excellent season for the former Everton centre back.

In the end, the mistake didn’t matter – and the 29-year-old Lescott departed for his first major international tournament as a Premier League medal-winner. We spoke to him about his England experience, the season to come and, of course, that extraordinary league win.

With four games to go you were five points behind United — had you given up hope at that point?

“We were hoping at that stage, because it was out of our hands. But as soon as the opportunity came back to win, after United dropped points at Wigan, then the belief came back. In a short period we went from hope to belief, and then the weekend they dropped points against Everton it was back in our hands. As soon as we got that opportunity again we knew how much it meant, and we weren’t going to let it slip again.”

You’d clawed it back, and just needed to beat QPR. What was going through your head in that last game, when you were 2-1 down with minutes to go?

“It was intense – a strange, strange feeling when we were losing. I remember speaking to another >

| August 31 2012 | 31

Rick Guest/www.spashion.com

City’s shield

Joleon Lescott

player who was thinking about his kid, and how he wouldn’t be able to take his kid to school because the kid was gonna get teased for us not winning.

Thankfully we didn’t have to worry about any of that.”

Have you learned anything from that experience that will help you this time?

“Probably not to leave it so late! It’s gonna be equally, if not more, intense this year, and to retain the title is gonna be tough. I remember at the start of the calendar year, people were saying we hadn’t got the experience to win the league, but now those excuses are out the window. If we’re in the same position coming into March, we should be favourites.”

Do you think the team needs improvement?

“Obviously there’s always gonna be mistakes — mine was the last game of the season — but you’re always looking to improve. Collectively we’ve got more confidence and we can gain from last year’s experience . Hopefully that can drive us.”

So what’s the aim for this year?

“The goal has got to be to win it again and progress in the Champions League. We were disappointed with the way things went, not getting through the group stages, but we felt – and it was proven – that our group was probably the toughest. There’s not many teams that get 10 points and don’t qualify.”

Is a different approach needed for the Champions League, or were you just unlucky?

“A bit of both. Obviously it was our first time so maybe we were a bit naive – but our league form was good when we were going into the Champions League games, so it probably wasn’t in our mind frame at the time to change.”

Is it going to be another two-horse race in the league this season?

“No, definitely not. I don’t think there are any teams that haven’t strengthened, so we know everyone’s going to be a stronger outfit this season. You’d be silly to rule out any of the teams.”

“It’s going to be equally, if not more, intense this year.

To retain the title is gonna be tough, but we’ve got more confidence”

32 | August 31 2012 |

You’ve developed a strong defensive partnership with Vincent Kompany, one of the best in the league. What’s he like to play alongside?

“Yeah, it’s good. Over the last two or three seasons Vinnie’s been getting the accolades he deserves.

He’s really consistent and probably the best in the league, so it’s nice to see him getting his just rewards off the field. We’re quite close, and I think that helps our partnership.”

What was it like scoring your first goal for England, against France at Euro 2012?

“That was special. I was a bit more composed than I thought I was gonna be after I scored. You always dream about scoring for England, and for it to come in that game was great, but I thought I’d be a bit more uncontrollable then I was...”

How was the tournament experience as a whole?

“Ah, unreal. It was the first tournament I’ve been involved in; it was great to be a part of it, and if you look at it we were unbeaten. Even if we didn’t progress as far as we would have liked, we gave a good account of ourselves. Our fans are passionate and want to see that reflected in our performances.”

Are pride and passion enough?

“I don’t think it’s enough, but it’s a start. After the World Cup, everyone was disappointed – the key was to restore the faith in us, and give the crowd and the fans the belief again. I think we did that. It can only bode well for us.”

Do you think England need to play more like Spain or Italy if they’re going to win a tournament?

“We’re not Spain. It’s hard to go and think: ‘Oh well Spain play like that, why can’t we?’ I don’t think it works like that. Spain are the best for a reason, but we’re England; we can’t change how we are and when we played Spain we won, so we can’t be that bad. We need to rein in our expectations a bit.”

Amit Katwala @amitkatwala For more information on the LescottStewart clothing brand, go to lescott-stewart.co.uk

Quick Questions Where’s your favourite place to play?

“Err... I don’t want to say, just in case it doesn’t go so well this season.”

You could just say Wembley...

“Wembley, yeah — you’re doing something right if you’re playing at Wembley.”

Favourite music?

“Hip-hop.”

Favourite goal you’ve scored?

“Obviously the one for England against France.”

Would you rather score a goal or make a last-ditch goalline clearance?

“Oooh... am I winning the game on both occasions?”

Let’s say it’s 1-1.

“I wanna win, so if it’s 1-1 and I score it’s gonna be 2-1 – so I’ll take the goal.”

Who’s the best attacker you’ve ever played against?

“Louis Saha. He gave me the runaround when I was a young player at Wolves, and he was at Fulham.”

Who was your sporting hero growing up?

“Ian Wright (below) was one because I always fancied myself as a bit of a striker.

Being an Aston Villa fan, Dalian Atkinson was another.”

When did you decide to drop into defence?

“When I realised I wasn’t going to make it as a striker. I dropped into midfield, and then when I started playing for Wolves the centre half was ill one week and they asked me if I could play there.

And that was it.”

Would you rather win the Premier League or the Champions League this season?

“I would say the league, because people have always said how hard it is to retain a title – but going forward I think you’d say next season the Champions League would be nice.”

Other than football, what sports are you into?

“I like Formula 1.”

Have you been to a Grand Prix?

“No, I was gonna go to Silverstone this year, but I was in Vegas. The weather was better in Vegas, so I didn’t go.”

Who’s the biggest joker in the Man City dressing room?

“Nigel de Jong is an absolute clown.

He’s just non-stop, relentless. You can’t come in moody because he’ll just ruin you for anything.”

You’ve just launched your own clothing brand, Lescott Stewart. Why? “It’s just something I’m looking to do when I hang up the boots.

I’ve been building something up with friends and my brother. It’s going well, but we know there’s a long way to go. It’s influenced by music and our individual styles – but the main thing is that we want to make sure the clothes are affordable.”

Manchester City FC/Press Association, Shaun Botterill/Allsport

Joleon Lescott

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Simon Jordan

HOw TO RUN a fOOTBaLL CLUB Found a few million down the back of the sofa and fancy dipping your toe into the world of football ownership? Having lost all his money in a 10-year stint in charge of Crystal Palace, Simon Jordan has some handy tips to help you on your way STEP ONE PICKING THE RIGHT CLUB “People buy football clubs for a variety of reasons — ego, credibility, life insurance — but I bought Crystal Palace because it was the club I supported and I felt I had the energy, drive and the money to turn a club with great potential into one that realised that potential.

There’s no blueprint to go about buying a football club, but the one rule you need to know is the smallest cheque you ever write is the one you write to buy it.

“There’s a possibility you can make money in football, but there are easier businesses to make money in because it’s geared and weighted against you. You’re in an archaic industry that only allows you to sell your products twice a year; you’re lumped in with

72 other clubs in a football league where the rules that would fit the bottom team in League Two aren’t going to fit the top Championship side; and, worst of all, you’re governed by an antiquated, out-of-touch, self-interested organisation — the FA. “You get access to everything you ask to get access for before you buy a club, so you can ensure the books are balanced, the stadium’s in good nick and everything is ready to build on. The situation with me was very different because I had come in at a very late stage in Palace’s administration. I backed myself and figured I had the ability to overcome any of the obstacles that were going to arise, so I didn’t do the due diligence, which cost me a few million quid. One week after I took over, the league came to me and said the roof on one of the stands needed replacing. For £350k. And if you don’t replace it, we’ll shut the stand down for the season.

Welcome to the world of football!”

STEP TwO PICKING THE RIGHT MaNaGER “Look at the managers I had and you’ll see there’s no art form to picking one. Steve Coppell I inherited and there was no relationship between us. Alan Smith was just

stupidity on my part because it really was ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ and I didn’t know what I was doing. Steve Bruce I got right because he was the right age, right dynamic and had the right leadership qualities. Trevor Francis I got wrong, because Trevor didn’t have the right wherewithals for that stage in his life. Iain Dowie I got right, despite the fact I don’t have a great regard for the man. Peter Taylor I got completely wrong and I know I got it wrong, and Neil Warnock I got right... so I think I got it right 50 per cent of the time.

“I always found it was best to put a manager ill at ease when interviewing them, or else they just tell you what you want to hear and then come into the job and do what they f**king please. It’s hard to know what to look for, but the managers who were successful for me — Iain Dowie, Neil Warnock and Steve Bruce — share similar characteristics as leaders of men. If you own a club, get yourself into the changing room asap and listen to a teamtalk, because there’s f**k-all going on in most dressing rooms, I can tell you. I saw so many teamtalks from so many managers that would not inspire snotty 16-year-old sales people, let alone multimillionaire players.

“Bruce and Warnock, especially Warnock, were people who, if I were a footballer, >

| August 31 2012 | 35

Photography by James Lincoln

(THE SIMON JORdaN way)

Simon Jordan I would have wanted to play for. They inspired players, so that’s what you need from a manager. It’s funny, though, because different chairmen like different things. I always remember Daniel Levy bragging about having Jacques Santini because he’d managed to get him in at Spurs. Unbeknownst to him, he’d applied for a job at Palace and I’d refused to see him. One man’s meat is another man’s poison.”

STEP THREE KNOWING WHEN TO GET RID OF THE MANAGER (JUST IN CASE) “I was known as a manager killer, but that’s not fair because if someone comes in to do a job and the project isn’t any better a year on, they’d be out in any other industry. In the football industry, they give excuses that they need more time or more money, but that’s just nonsense. I just sit them down, and it’s a case of we’re going this way and you’re going that way, so bye. In sport, you’re supposed to feel this different sense of injustice about

what was happening at training wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t one of those that wanted to have the company of footballers, like [former vice chairman] Paul Kemsley at Spurs hanging around with Robbie Keane and Jamie Redknapp because it made him feel good. I’d no more go out with a 19-year-old footballer for dinner than I would drive down to one of my phone stores and go out with a 19-yearold sales rep. Having said that, players would often come and knock on my door.

“If a player went to a manager and said he wanted to leave, the manager would come to me and I’d say no, then the player would eventually end up on my doorstep. I had an attitude that was very simple — I have signed a deal with you and I’m doing my bit. You have signed a deal with me, so you’ve got to do your bit. Then there are the players who come in with reports they’ve cut out where The Sun had given them eight out of 10 in the last three games, so they want a pay rise. It’s perplexing. There are a few players I still hold in contempt — people like Neil Ruddock, who I have no interest in talking to whatsoever — but in general I like footballers and I think 90 per cent of players I was in charge of respect me. I don’t judge footballers as thick or selfish because they are footballers, I judge them as human beings — if they’re thick and selfish, then it’s because they’re thick and selfish, not because they’re footballers.”

“I ALWAYS FOUND IT BEST TO PUT A MANAGER ILL AT EASE WHEN INTERVIEWING THEM, OR THEY’LL JUST TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR” someone losing their job. The only injustice is the fact that someone who’s failed gets paid, and gets a long-term payment on a contract which he’s failed on. I didn’t have any compunction about it. Football people walk around half the time expecting to get the sack anyway. All they do is look for what they’re going to get paid out of it, yet people say it’s an occupational hazard and they’re under so much pressure. Pressure is not having any money and having to feed your kids. That’s pressure. Working in a highly paid job and getting a long-term contract that’s fixed and then getting fired for failing is not pressure.

“To be honest, no one I fired was surprised anyway. More of them were actually relieved.

When things are going to shit, and you don’t want to walk away, it’s nice to have that decision taken away from you. That’s the feeling I got with Trevor Francis and Peter Taylor anyway. It was always the manager’s background team who were more surprised.

I remember firing Alan Smith and Ray Houghton immediately assumed he was going to be stepping up, so I fired him as well — he was part of the reason they were going wrong, so you need to clear out all the dead wood. ”

STEP FOUR DEALING WITH YOUR PLAYERS “I didn’t interact much with the players on a day-to-day basis because they’re footballers and they’re paid by me to do a job. What I needed to see was on Saturday afternoon, and if that wasn’t good enough then I knew

36 | August 31 2012 |

STEP FIVE BUYING AND SELLING PLAYERS “The whole structure of doing a deal is bizarre, because players are used to getting what they want and they’ll use their agents as battering rams to get it. Every transfer deal had its nuances. I remember signing Shefki Kuqi from a nightclub in Marbella at one minute to 12. It was actually one minute to one, and we set the fax time differently so it looked like it had been sent at 11.59pm instead of 12.59am. Everyone said I hated agents too, but they’re a necessary evil because all the players have them. Why? Because they’re lemmings. Why do so many players have tattoos now? Why did they all wear snoods a few years ago? Because it’s a fad and they all live in this football bubble.

So a young player gets an agent, so his mate gets one, so his mate gets one and so on.

They don’t even need them half the time.

“Agents are one thing, but parents are often worse. I always remember Carl Asaba wanted to sign for Palace. He came down with his dad and they were both pretty happy with most things, then his dad asked about his image rights. You’ve got to be f**king kidding! What image has he got? The only image he’s got is the one I’m about to give of him wearing a Palace shirt as opposed to a f**king Gillingham one. So of course we didn’t sign him.

“In the early days, I was involved in all the negotiations with agents and players, and I found it very frustrating. The most irritating players are the ones who turn up and ask >

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Simon Jordan

“THE MOST IRRITATING PlAyERS ARE THE ONES wHO wANT yOU TO SEll THE clUB TO THEM. If yOU DON’T wANT TO PlAy fOR PAlAcE, GO f**k Off”

you to sell the club to them. If you don’t want to play for Palace, go f**k off because I don’t want you so I’m not going to convince you.

I realise there are much bigger clubs than Palace, so that doesn’t always fly, but that was my attitude. So in the end, I left it to my CEO to do the negotiating with preset parameters that he could go to. It gives him more leverage if the chairman isn’t in the room, so he can just keep saying: ‘I’ll have to check with Simon.’”

STEP SIX SURVIVING THE BOARDROOMS “I didn’t have any interest in the boardroom backslapping life, but as I got longer in my tenure I was more respectful, even if I didn’t like the people in there. I go to football with my team to win, I don’t go there to grip and grin.

For me, it was business, because the game on the pitch is what I’m putting my money into, so Saturday was the day I was at my most tense — I don't want to drink Chardonnay and swap spitballs with the opposition.

“There is a falseness about what goes on in the boardroom. My agenda is pure, although I probably could have been less belligerent and a bit more superficial, but it isn’t my way. There’s a football mafia in the inner sanctum who get what they want; you just have to try find your way around it.

“My boardroom at Palace was a very open one. I found the antiquated stuff like having to wear a tie and wear club colours all a bit out of date. Football is a celebration of sports, it’s an enjoyment, so why have such antiquated protocol? I went to Sheffield

38 | August 31 2012 |

Wednesday and they’d only let the chairman and one director in. But I’ve got four directors? Tough. But you’ve got 15 empty seats, what the f**k’s that about?

“It's worse when you’re in the Premier League because you have more dealings with the FA. There’s a debate about what FA stands for, and I’m in the camp that says it stands for F**k All because they remain as unaccountable, as uninspiring, as un-leaderlike as they’ve ever been. They run alongside the game, they don’t run the game.”

flIGHT & fAll Of cPfc

STEP SEVEN GETTING OUT

In Simon Jordan’s first season as chairman, crystal Palace exited administration and finished 21st in the championship. In his final season as chairman, Palace entered administration and finished 21st in the championship. Sport plots the rise and fall of Jordan’s Eagles...

“When’s the best time to get out? Clearly I don’t know. In football, it’s very easy to get in — as long as you have the means financially — but it’s a damn sight more difficult to get out.

I could have saved myself a lot of heartache and a lot of money if I’d made a decision that I should have made, but pride comes before a fall and backing myself cost me.

“You always know when it’s time to get out of a business — when you’re a different man you were when you got into the industry, when you’re jaded, when you’re doing it because you’re being forced to do it.

Those are the times to get out, but wanting to get out and being able to get out are two very different things.

“In fairness, Palace were never on the verge of disappearing. That’s a myth. The only person that got hurt out of Palace going into administration in January 2010 was me.

Crystal Palace were in administration for four

2000-01 first Division - 21st 2001-02 first Division - 10th 2002-03 first Division - 14th 2003-04 first Division - 6th (P) 2004-05 Premiership - 18th (R) 2005-06 championship - 6th 2006-07 championship - 12th 2007-08 championship - 5th 2008-09 championship - 15th 2009-10 championship - 21st

months, and they came out with the same players, the same academy and no debt. The only person they owed money to was me. The press reported that they were £30m in debt.

Yeah, £23.8m of it was to me. Of the rest, over £4m was a loan that wasn’t due to be paid back for another four years and was encouraged to be called in by ’people’, and transfer fees that weren’t due yet.

“We were in a good financial state. Simon Jordan wasn’t in a good financial state, but the club was. I did everything I possibly could to avoid that situation. I don’t point fingers, but I know what went on and who were the beneficiaries of it. It certainly wasn’t me.

“What’s hard for me is to accept the fact that I allowed the situation to happen that happened. I should have been strong enough, big enough, clued-in enough to be able to deal with this and still have the football club. So that’s the difficulty, but it’s not a problem anymore.

“You show me someone that hasn’t made a mistake and I’ll show you someone who’s never tried. I owned Crystal Palace for 10 years. How many people get themselves into a position where they can do that? How many people get themselves to a situation that, despite not being a big-time club, they’re still a big club and a newsworthy club? Yeah, I came up short, but a lot of people would have come up a lot shorter a lot sooner than I did.”

Simon Jordan was speaking to Mark Coughlan.

Be Careful What You Wish For by Simon Jordan is out now, from Yellow Jersey Press

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London 2012 Paralympics

40 | August 31 2012 |

The power of three After losing her foot in a near fatal speedboat accident at the age of 16, Stef Reid was forced to give up playing her beloved rugby. In athletics, though, she found a new way to win – and heads for London 2012 a medal hope in three events

Y

You won bronze in the 200m at the Beijing Paralympics, but for Canada rather than GB. Why the switch of nationality in 2010?

“My dad’s a Scotsman and my mum’s an Englishwoman, so they were always joking about it – then when London was awarded the Games, it was in the back of my mind. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, though.

I needed to make sure I could walk into that stadium in the GB kit and feel proud, feel sincere. It wasn’t a convenient decision, though. My husband is in Dallas and I’m in Loughborough, which is difficult. I was also committing to training full time and giving up a career in bio chemistry. But I didn’t want to [not to do it, then] look back and think: ’If I’d done it, I could have had a better result.’

And I knew that being based in the UK would give me the chance to be the best I can.”

For a girl growing up in Canada, rugby would seem an odd sport to have as your first love...

“Rugby is just the perfect sport for me, it showcases all my athletic ability. I was agile and I had a lot of speed endurance – I could sprint up and down that field all day long, and I just loved the aggression in it. Girls don’t usually get the chance to be that aggressive so I was like a caged animal, I loved it. I do miss it. But I never did track and field before my accident, so it was almost nice to go to a sport where I didn’t have a mark to judge myself against. On the rugby field it was frustrating because I know what I used to be able to do, and it's not what I am able to do now – so it was nice to have a fresh start.”

How difficult is it learning to run using a prosthetic limb?

“I always have high expectations that it’s going to be perfect, so I was incredibly

disappointed the first time I ran. I’m running basically on bones that aren’t meant to bear that kind of weight — the first time I ran it was so painful and uncomfortable that I could only really do it once every two weeks.

Initially I wrote it off and thought: ’If I don’t enjoy it, I just won’t do it again.’ Probably four or five years after that first try was when I started getting back into running again and realised I could tolerate a bit more pressure. And now I love every second of it. I’m not in pain any more and it feels like it used to feel when I was running down the rugby field. People look at me running and think it looks easy, but they don’t see everything that’s gone on before.”

Were you aware of the Paralympics back then?

“A bit, but I kind of thought it would all be about taking part and having fun. There’s definitely a role for that, but it just wasn’t my thing — I didn’t think it was going to be that competitive. But I remember going to my first meet and getting my butt kicked by a 35-year-old woman and thinking: ‘Oh, I’m going to have to work really hard at this.’”

You made your Paralympic debut in Beijing, finishing fifth in the long jump in addition to winning bronze in the 200m. How did the experience measure up to what you were expecting?

“I always say that Beijing was probably 10 times harder and 100 times more fun than I was expecting. It was so new to me. I had no clue going into it and was on a very sharp learning curve. I got it wrong in the long jump and went from complete devastation to four hours later competing in the 200m final, and ending up with a medal in an event I wasn’t even on the radar for. I wasn’t ready

for the emotional highs and lows, then in the 100m I didn’t even make it past the semi final – that was hugely embarrassing, but I was emotionally spent. I learned a lot though, and I’m so much more prepared this year.”

So you’re hoping for more medals from the three events this time around?

“You have to keep things realistic, and I think it’s realistic to win the long jump. If I could also medal in both the 100m and 200m, that would be a huge accomplishment. So I’m hoping for gold in the long jump and I’d take any colour in the other two.”

You’re studying for an MA in nutrition too – that must help with your training?

“I never want to leave sport, but at the same time I worked really hard in university so this is a great way to combine the two. I take my diet really seriously and I’ve played around quite a bit, making some changes to my body fat percentage and that kind of thing. At the end of the day, what’s going to win is hard work on the track, but it’s just that little extra thing. There aren’t many things you can control, but I can control what I put in my mouth and there’s no excuse for doing that wrong.”

Will you still compete for Great Britain after the Games?

“Definitely. I made a coaching change a few months ago and am loving every second of it. There’s still huge improvements I can make and I’d love to stay on to 2016.”

Sarah Shephard @sarahsportmag Aviva has been backing the GB & NI Team since 1999. Now it’s your turn. #BackTheTeam on Twitter or search for Aviva Athletics on Facebook

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 41

London 2012 Paralympics

Running the show

W

When did you find out your event would be included in the Games for the first time?

“I had a bit of a tip-off in 2007, actually.

I think I would have retired, because I’ve got two children — my last one was born in 2006 and I would have given up after that, but I got the tip-off. I’d been in the sport since 1996 and I didn’t think I could quit now when the Games were coming.”

What was your initial reaction to the news?

“I thought it was a joke, actually. I finally found out for sure in April 2011, so I went into work the next day and resigned. I really wanted to give it everything I had. My hours haven’t actually increased but I’m getting a bit of downtime, and as a mum as well I’ve got a lot on my plate. My children are seven and six now, so it’s been challenging.”

How does your condition affect your performances and training for the 100m and 200m events?

“Cerebral palsy, ultimately, is brain damage, though it means that it happened in the first six weeks of your life. It’s so varied, so in track events it ranges from T32 to T38, so you can see already there’s seven grades of cerebral palsy. I’m a T35, the first one out of a wheelchair on the track. My disability specifically affects both my legs and one of my arms, but you’ll see other cerebral palsy athletes who’ve got it down one side

42 | August 31 2012 |

or maybe just their upper body. If you took my limbs and stuck them on you they’d be normal — it’s just a communication problem.”

Is the condition something that can improve through training?

“A doctor would probably say no, but I would say yeah — I’m kind of a case study. I’m a different person to how I was when I was 12 years old, for example. You can’t train it out of your body because the brain injury remains, but you certainly find ways of doing stuff that you couldn’t before.”

How have your times changed since you first started in the sport?

“The first time [for the 100m] was 28 seconds. I think I turned up and ran 24.6s in competition, and I was pleased with that. I’m now down to 16.4s and I’m not really any fitter; I’m just more able. I’ve never been able to hop before, skip before or stand on one leg – and now I can do them all.”

What’s your target?

“I hate that question.

Gold is possible but not probable — I just want to get on the podium.”

After the Games you’re starting as the commercial director for UK Athletics — will your role be made easier by the coverage that the Paralympics are getting?

“The coverage has been phenomenal, especially if you think about how few people have disabilities. The best thing about the Paralympics is that it seems to attract an awful lot of people who don’t even like sport, because they’re just intrigued by the story.

I’m a Paralympian and I’ve got a story, and every Paralympian you meet will have a story. We’ve all triumphed.”

Amit Katwala @amitkatwala Sophia Warner trains on Technogym, Official Fitness Equipment Supplier for London 2012. Visit technogym.com

Adam Davy/Empics

It’s been a long time coming for Sophia Warner, but the T35 sprinter and mother of two is finally getting the chance to compete in her first Paralympics at London 2012

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7 Days OUR PICK OF THE ACTION FROM THE SPORTING WEEK AHEAD

AUGHIGHLIGHTS 31-SEP 6 » Football: Premier League Round-Up » p46 »Formula 1: Belgian Grand Prix » p48 » Super League: Bradford v Hull » p50 » Equestrian: Burghley Horse Trials » p50 » Football: Chelsea v Atletico Madrid » p51

Football’s back

With Super Bowl winners the New York Giants hosting the Dallas Cowboys in the first game of the 2012 NFL season on Wednesday, NFL expert Adam Goldstein sizes up the next six months of carries, tackles and, um, sacks...

9-7 The Giants’ regular season record before winning the Super Bowl in February – the worst set by a Super Bowl-winning team since 1967

44 | August 31 2012 |

Quarterbacks As per most seasons in the NFL, all eyes are on the quarterbacks, who are the master generals of their offence. The Giants have the swashbuckling Eli Manning, who proudly boasts two Super Bowl rings; probably much to the chagrin of his older and more talented brother Peyton, who has just one Super Bowl ring and has just moved from the Indianapolis Colts, where he is a demi-God, to the Denver Broncos. Everyone will want to know how

Peyton copes — moving to a new team is never easy for a quarterback, and he’s coming back after a season out with a neck injury. Peyton takes over from another demi-god at Denver, the young and feisty Tim Tebow. This chap dramatically took his team to the playoffs last season, with his unorthodox play.

Quarterbacks are trained to throw, but Tebow prefers to run, and last season he made a habit of engineering miracle-like 4th-quarter comebacks. He likes to praise his pal Jesus, but after being traded this year he will most likely need him. Tebow now plays for the ’drama magnet’ that is the New York Jets, where he currently sits behind starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Super Bowl, but because they are sacrificing a home game by playing at Wembley this year.

In October they come to London to play the New England Patriots, who will be bringing superstar quarterback Tom Brady, so get ready for a high-scoring affair.

The Baltimore Ravens missed a crucial field goal against the Patriots to lose the AFC Championship game last year. If the wind had blown the other way that night, they would have been in the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots. They are an improving team though, and should be in the hunt again this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers should all make the playoffs as well – though, with the NFL, it’s always best to be prepared for anything.

Teams to look out for

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The St Louis Rams are a team to keep an eye out for – not because they are likely to win the

Elsa/Getty Images

WEDNESDAY NFL | NEW YORK GIANTS v DALLAS COWBOYS | METLIFE STADIUM, NEW YORK | CHECK LISTINGS

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sponsorship deal with the Welsh Rugby Union that will see the side’s autumn Test matches renamed the Dove Men+Care series.

They’re offering 10 lucky Sport readers the opportunity to win a pair of tickets each to Wales v Argentina at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on November 10 2012. for your chance to win, just answer the following question: Which domestic team does prop Adam Rhys Jones play for?

A Cardiff Blues B Ospreys C Saracens For your chance to win, text DOVE, your answer A, B or C and your name to 81089.

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7 Days

Premier League

Saturday manchester city v qpr | etihad stadium espn 5.30pm

With Chelsea in action elsewhere this week, both Swansea and Everton have a chance to take themselves top of the table Sunday liverpool v arsenal | anfield | sky sports 1 1.30pm

It seems like only yesterday that Martin Tyler was screaming ‘Agueroooo!’, Niall Quinn was providing the most unimpartial piece of co-commentary in history and Manchester City were claiming an historic league title in the most dramatic of fashions with that late home win against QPR. But three and a half months on, and only three games into the new season, here we all are again. Unless Roberto Mancini (above) has made a raft of signings in between us going to press and kick-off in the late Saturday game, it will be a very similar City (minus the aforementioned Agueroooo, out injured) that lines up against old boss Mark Hughes.

The QPR team, on the other hand, will look mighty different; expect at least five or six of the manager’s new and summer signings to feature.

Feeling blue

Sunday southampton v manchester united st mary’s | sky sports 1 4pm

You wouldn’t ordinarily suggest Anfield as the ideal venue at which a team seeking its first league goal of the season should look to get off the mark. But, having witnessed the generous defending that has characterised Liverpool’s displays in the first two weeks of the campaign, Arsene Wenger may fancy his team’s chances of doing just that on Sunday.

The Frenchman didn’t seem hugely troubled by his team’s goalless opening to the season after picking up a point at Stoke last Sunday, but for all the quality of Santi Cazorla in midfield, other new arrivals Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud are yet to overly impress.

It’s early days, of course, but that Wenger spoke of still being ‘active’ in the transfer market suggests he’s well aware that further additions need to be made if Arsenal are going to properly cope with the departures of Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

There is no shortage of new faces at Anfield, of course, with midfielder Nuri Sahin the latest to join on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. It’s thought that Jose Mourinho

46 | August 31 2012 |

and Xabi Alonso were both key in convincing the talented Turk to choose Liverpool over the Gunners; a victory that Brendan Rodgers will hope is replicated on the Anfield pitch on Sunday, when he will also expect his back line (boosted by the return from suspension of Daniel Agger) to avoid the elementary errors that gifted Man City two goals a week ago.

But, with Steven Gerrard looking fit, young Raheem Sterling showing some excellent signs and Joe Allen (above) fast establishing himself as a Kop favourite, Liverpool will look to control this game in midfield and become the first side to breach the Arsenal defence this season. Do that, and all three points could well be staying on Merseyside.

1953-54

The last season in which Arsenal failed to score in their opening three league fixtures. They went on to finish 12th, 14 points behind champions Wolves but 15 clear of bottom club Liverpool, who were relegated

A fortnight after pushing one half of Manchester very close on their long-awaited Premier League return, Southampton have the privilege of facing the other half in Sunday afternoon’s live Sky fixture.

Sadly for Saints fans, the game in between turned into a case of after the lord mayor’s show last weekend, Nigel Adkins’ side not taking their chances as Wigan stole off with three points and an early position in mid-table. The manager should again look to the brute force of Rickie Lambert and youthful verve of Adam Lallana (above) to carry the home team’s threat against a United side for whom Robin van Persie got off the mark in stunning fashion last Saturday. With Wayne Rooney out, Sir Alex Ferguson would welcome more of the same on Sunday.

19 Years since Everton started a league season with three wins — they followed that with three straight defeats, naturally

Two managers with contrasting Premier League backgrounds go into this Saturday encounter with smiles on their faces — well, as much as is possible for two Scots. Steve Clarke is embarking upon his first season managing in the top flight, but has deservedly taken four points from two difficult early fixtures against former employers Liverpool and Tottenham. But his energetic West Brom side will find Everton a tough proposition at the Hawthorns; old dog David Moyes has brought his side to the Premier League party with some new tricks this season, and in Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic (above) he boasts a front pairing that can cause chaos. Could be a good one.

saturday tottenham v norwich white hart lane | 3pm

Two sides under new managers and still looking for a first league win of the season meet at White Hart Lane, where Andre Villas-Boas watched his Spurs side ship a late equaliser against West Brom last week. Returns to the Lane for both Norwich boss Chris Hughton — 13 years a Tottenham player, 10 years a coach — and Sebastian Bassong (above), who gave away a soft penalty on his Norwich debut last weekend.

saturday wigan v stoke Dw staDium | 3pm

As we regret not having a few quid on Wigan to win at Southampton last Saturday, Roberto Martinez can look forward to seeing new strike pairing Franco di Santo and Arouna Kone (above) have a crack at the notoriously combative Stoke defence tomorrow.

Both Di Santo and Kone belted in goals at St Mary’s, but getting past Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross may prove a touch trickier. Don’t expect a hatful.

saturday west ham v Fulham upton park | ss2 12.45pm

One home win and one away defeat apiece for these two sides ahead of the season’s first London derby tomorrow.

That should suggest a victory for Sam Allardyce (above) and the hosts, but Fulham were more impressive in defeat at Old Trafford last weekend than West Ham were in a poor display at Swansea, James Collins’ absolute ricket to gift Michu his third Swans goal the pick of their defensive lapses.

sunday newcastle v aston villa sports Direct arena | 4pm

Only two wins from 18 Premier League visits to whatever you want to call Newcastle’s ground for Aston Villa, who will still be reeling from the tonking they took at home to Everton last week.

Paul Lambert and his men may not find Newcastle in generous mood after they fell prey to a rare Fernando Torres masterclass at Chelsea on Saturday.

Don’t be surprised if Alan Pardew (above) and his men bounce back here.

saturday swansea v sunDerlanD liberty staDium | 3pm

Fresh from having last weekend’s home game against Reading fall victim to that old August hazard of a waterlogged pitch, Martin O’Neill takes Sunderland back on the road to face a Swansea side that will return to the top of the table with a win. The Black Cats could give league debuts to Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson (above), who will have to go some to convince us (and many others) they’re worth a combined £26m.

Premier League table 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

P Chelsea 3 Swansea 2 Everton 2 West Brom 2 Man City 2 Fulham 2 Man Utd 2 Wigan 2 Newcastle 2 West Ham 2 Stoke 2 Arsenal 2 Sunderland 1 Tottenham 2 Reading 2 Liverpool 2 Norwich 2 QPR 2 Southampton 2 Aston Villa 2

W 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

+8

D 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2

F A Pts 8 2 9 8 0 6 4 1 6 4 1 4 5 4 4 7 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 3 1 3 5 1 2 5 1 1 6 1 1 6 1 2 5 0 1 4 0

Swansea’s goal difference after two games. Only Chelsea (+12 in 2010-11) have started better in Premier League history

| 47

All pictures Getty Images

saturday west brom v everton | the hawthorns | 3pm

7 Days SUNDAY FORMULA 1 | BeLgiAn gRAnd PRix | SPA-FRAncORchAMPS | BBc One & Sky SPORtS F1 1PM

Restart your engines Belgian Grand Prix

Vladimir Rys/Getty Images

Sky Sports F1 presenter Anthony Davidson talks us through the much-loved Spa circuit “Spa is a brilliant circuit for any driver in any car — it’s always a challenge.

It’s one of the only circuits that only actually makes sense in a Formula 1 car. A lot of the time at Spa you feel a little bit lost in the other formulas, and even in Le Mans cars you feel like the cars are just a little bit underpowered and slow for that track.

“But a Formula 1 car is absolutely perfect — it lends itself so well to a modern Formula 1 car and it’s just got all those high-speed corners.

48 | August 31 2012 |

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where fractions of a second can make all the difference, five weeks has seemed like an age. The interminable wait is finally over though, and the second, decisive section of the season begins with a real classic in Spa. Loved by fans and drivers, it’s been the scene of some extraordinary races over the years, although it will have to go even further to match up to one of the most extraordinary F1 seasons in history. Things have settled down a little, though — Fernando Alonso is the current frontrunner, expertly breaking in his unruly

Everyone talks about Eau Rouge.

It looks spectacular from inside the car and out, but in a modern F1 car it’s fully full throttle — you don’t even think about lifting. Until you approach there side by side with Fernando Alonso — like Mark Webber did and go in for an overtaking manoeuvre — then it becomes quite challenging. Best overtake of last year by far.

“You’ve got the change of weather, the fans are great and the layout of the track itself always create action.

DRS works well there, but you don’t really need it. It is easy to overtake, but unfortunately it is a place where the car does make quite a big difference, especially in that middle sector. If you’ve got a car that’s working well, you really feel it at Spa.” Sky Sports F1 has full live coverage of every race on Sky Channel 408

Laps 44 CIrCuIt Length 7.004km raCe dIstanCe 308.052km Lap reCord 1:45.108 – k RAIkkONEN (2004)

Ferrari to sit atop the drivers’ standings. His prancing stallion is the lead rider in what looks a five-horse race for the title, although secondplaced Mark Webber is 40 points behind and Kimi Raikonnen in fifth seems like the only driver who hasn’t won a race this season.

A strong return to action is imperative for the chasers. Lewis Hamilton will want to pick up where he left off with a fine win in Hungary, while Lotus will have taken heart from their double podium finish in that race.

Alonso’s in the driving seat, but with nine races to go it’s far from over.

sCheduLe (gMt) saturday septeMBer 1 QuAlIfyINg 1pm sunday septeMBer 2 RAcE 1pm

rt StA

2011 resuLt 1 sEbAstIAN vEttEl 2 mARk wEbbER 3 JENsON buttON

drIver standIngs 1 fERNANdO AlONsO (fERRARI) 2 mARk wEbbER (REd bull) 3 sEbAstIAN vEttEl (REd bull) 4 lEwIs HAmIltON (mclAREN) 5 kImI RAIkkONEN (lOtus)

164 124 122 117 116

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7 Days SATURDAY RUGBY LEAGUE | sUpER LEAGUE: BRAdfoRd v HULL | odsAL stAdiUm | skY spoRts 1 7pm

FRIDAY > EQUEstRiAN | BURGHLEY HoRsE tRiALs | BURGHLEY pARk, stAmfoRd | BBC tWo 3.15pm (sUNdAY)

Gareth Copley/Getty Images, Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Olympians back in the saddle

Fine margins With just two rounds of the Stobart Super League left, the scramble for playoff places is under way. The top eight qualify, and the final slots are still up for grabs.

Remarkably, Bradford Bulls (captained by the brilliantly named Heath L’Estrange, above) occupy the last playoff spot, despite being deducted six points for going into administration and with their future still in doubt. They’ve also won their last three games and are at home to sixth-placed Hull FC on Saturday in front of the Sky cameras.

Hull can’t afford any slip-ups if they are to make any impression in the playoffs after another frustrating season.

Beaten Challenge Cup finalists Leeds Rhinos, currently in fifth, will be looking to shake off that disappointment and kickstart their title defence against Salford City Reds at Headingley on Friday. The Rhinos did become the first club to win it from fifth last year, but to do it again would be a tall order.

St Helens, under pressure from Catalan Dragons for third place, face a rejuvenated London Broncos at Langtree Park. Under Tony Rea, now confirmed as head coach, the Broncos have won their last three matches, with stand-off Luke Dorn scoring eight tries 50 | August 31 2012 |

in the last two alone. Despite moving off the bottom of the table, they still can’t make the playoffs – but Rea is looking for a good finish to set them up for next season.

Wigan Warriors will secure the League Leaders’ Shield if they win at Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, but Rovers won’t be pushovers as they still have a chance of finishing in the top eight. Castleford’s hopes of making the playoffs disappeared with a run of five successive defeats, and this weekend they entertain a Catalans side whose form has been very patchy of late. They once harboured ambitions of finishing in the top two, but could still finish third if they win their last two matches and St Helens slip up.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will fancy stretching their winning run to six games against bottom club Widnes Vikings on Sunday (Sky Sports 2, 6.45pm). The revitalised Yorkshire side secured their last two victories thanks to late drop goals from Paul Sykes, and are now just one place outside the playoffs.

Finally, Warrington, with an eye on a league and cup double, are at home to a Huddersfield Giants side intent on finishing the season on a high note after their mid-season slide.

With Britain still basking in the glory of finishing top of the equestrian medal table at London 2012, the Burghley Horse Trials are doing everything possible to ensure the Olympic feeling continues this weekend.

For starters, Burghley organisers have pinched three of the cross country fences that featured in Greenwich Park during the Games. “The Olympic Games Horses”, “The Planet” and “The Sundials” will be combined in Burghley, to feature as a complex in the Main Arena for the cross country. That takes place on Saturday, should you be interested, although the BBC coverage on Sunday will include highlights of that as well as live action from the show jumping.

Britain’s Olympic silver-medallists Kristina Cook, Mary King and William Fox-Pitt head the list of entries for the three-day event. Fox-Pitt (below) is going for a record seventh win at Burghley, as well as a win in the finale of the HSBC FEI Classics series — which would net him a handy £95,000.

FRIDAY FOOTBALL | UEFA SUPER CUP: CHELSEA v ATLETICO MADRID | STADE LOUIS II, MONACO ITV1 & SKY SPORTS 2 7.45PM

Helly Hansen catwalk

Champions clash Probably the most important game of the season, in Michel Platini’s head at least, this year’s European Community Shield (as we’ve taken to calling it) pits Champions League winners Chelsea against Europa League champions Atletico Madrid.

Both teams finished fifth in their domestic competitions last season, but Chelsea have strengthened considerably in the summer and started the season strongly, with three wins from three and Eden Hazard looking fittingly dangerous.

In between flirting with Hazard, the Blues spent a lot of their time off chasing Atletico’s star striker Radamel Falcao, who scored 39 goals in 52 games

BEST OF THE REST

FRIDAY

CRICKET England v South Africa: 3rd ODI, The Oval, Sky Sports 1 12.30pm TENNIS US Open: Day 5, Flushing Meadows, New York, Sky Sports 3 4pm GOLF Deutsche Bank Championship: Day 1, TPC Boston, Massachusetts, Sky Sports 4 8pm

SATURDAY CRICKET CB40 Semi Final: Lancashire v Warwickshire, Old Trafford, Sky Sports 1 12.45pm RUGBY UNION Aviva Premiership: Wasps v Harlequins, Adams Park, ESPN 1.15pm FOOTBALL Championship: Leicester v Blackpool, King Power Stadium, Sky Sports 2 5pm

last year. The Colombian has started this season in similarly destructive form, banging in a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, which in itself was a reprisal of last year’s Europa League final.

Falcao was touted as a £50m replacement for Didier Drogba, and that tells you what you need to know about the challenge facing Chelsea’s defence, which will be missing John Terry, still suspended for his red card in the Champions League semi finals.

Expect an entertaining game – and, if Chelsea win, an awful selection of Photoshopped images featuring Terry joining in the celebrations. Yeah, cheers.

FOOTBALL La Liga: Deportivo v Getafe, Riazor Stadium, Sky Sports 4 6.55pm FOOTBALL Serie A: Bologna v AC Milan, Renato Dall’Ara, ESPN 7.45pm

SUNDAY MOTORSPORT IRC Rally: Day 2, Zlin, Czech Republic, British Eurosport 9am CRICKET England v South Africa: 4th ODI, Lord’s, Sky Sports 2 10am RUGBY UNION Aviva Premiership: London Welsh v Leicester, Kassam Stadium, Sky Sports 3 2pm FOOTBALL La Liga: Barcelona v Valencia, Nou Camp, Sky Sports 1 7pm FOOTBALL Serie A: Inter Milan v Roma, San Siro, ESPN 7.15pm FOOTBALL La Liga: Real Madrid v Granada, Bernabeu, Sky Sports 1 9pm

MONDAY CYCLING Vuelta a Espana: Stage 16, Gijón -Valgrande-Pajares, British Eurosport 2 2pm

TUESDAY FOOTBALL Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Portsmouth v Bournemouth, Fratton Park, Sky Sports 1 7.45pm

WEDNESDAY CRICKET England v South Africa: 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, Sky Sports 2 1.30pm

THURSDAY TENNIS US Open: Day 11, Flushing Meadows, New York, Sky Sports 2 4pm SNOOKER Premier League Snooker: Round 2, Stoke-on-Trent, Sky Sports 4 7.30pm FOOTBALL U21 Euro Qualifier: Scotland U21 v Luxembourg U21, St Mirren Park, Sky Sports 1 7.45pm

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 51

Helly Hansen beauty and tHe beast a 26.2 mulit-lap trail maratHon cHallenge for induviduals and teams 22nd september 2012, stonor park, Henley-on-tHames. sign up and join us on tHe Helly Hansen catwalk at www.

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Extra time Kit

Making the most of your time and money

Ruckin’ nice tops Tally pip, old boy – rugger’s back, so do cheer those ruddy good chaps on. Too much? How about one of these instead?

Canterbury See You In Rio Tee

Ralph Lauren Rugby Shirt

Show your support for sevens rugby’s Olympic debut in Rio. In fact, train hard enough and you might still make the team.

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At the top end of the price scale, but you can’t go far wrong with Ralph Lauren stash – plus this classic black and white number will soak up those loose Guinness splashes. £149 | houseoffraser.co.uk

Front Up Ellis Rugby Shirt

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Kooga Rugby Polo Simple, comfortable and stylish: this elegant polo ticks all the boxes. If nothing else, it’s the ideal top to wear to the next Calcutta Cup clash if you want to avoid any arguments.

All together now: “Oh Flower of Scotland… coming forth to carry me home...” £25 | prodirectrugby.com

52 | August 31 2012 |

Another offering from those gents at Front Up rugby, this fits the usual bill of looks and quality. Perfect for going to the game while hiding your true support. £24 | frontup.co.uk

The hood will help you fit in with the ‘yoofs’ on the corner, while the rugby look will help you blend in at Twickers. The ideal mix. £29 | frontup.co.uk

Competition

Antalya Golf Club: there are worse places to play golf

WIN! A LUXURY GOLF HOLIDAY TO WATCH THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYERS IN TURKEY H ere is the competition of a lifetime for any golfer. Courtesy of the good people at Golfbreaks.com, we’re offering a brilliant trip to Turkey to watch the Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals at close quarters — featuring, among others, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood.

Sirene Golf Hotel: relax by the pool or just chill out in your room

Our prize includes: • Seven nights, all inclusive for two sharing a twin or double room at the five-star Sirene Golf Hotel (situated next door to Antalya GC, host of the tournament) • Season ticket for practice day and four tournament days (October 8-12) • Two rounds of golf • Return flights from Heathrow with Turkish Airlines (fly Oct 7, return Oct 14) • All transfers The eight-man Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals is the newest event on the golfing calendar, and its star quality will undoubtedly help the country in its bid to host the 2020 Olympics. There’s a big prize fund on offer too — the winner will pocket $1.5m, while even eighth place is worth $300,000. But crowds are not expected to be huge, so our winners should be able to get a great view of some of the world’s top players in action.

As a golfing destination, Turkey is becoming one of the most popular in Europe, with a glorious climate and some stunning courses.

For a chance to win this incredible prize, visit www.sport-magazine.co.uk/ competitions. The closing date for entries is Friday September 14.

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Extra time Heather Fell

Five-star Fell

H

eather Fell hasn’t had the sporting summer she might have expected, her missing out on Olympic selection for the modern pentathlon meaning the earliest end to a season since she was 10 years old. But that’s not to say Team GB’s Olympic silver-medallist from Beijing hasn’t retained her five-star quality.

Having returned from the Modern Pentathlon European Championships in Bulgaria with a “bit of a tan and two medals” – team silver and relay bronze, since you ask – Fell won silver for Devon in the 5,000m

54 | August 31 2012 |

at the South West Inter-Counties Championships.

She also equalled her personal best over 1,500m in the Cheltenham Midsummer Open, finishing fifth.

Credentials well and truly reaffirmed, Fell spent the Olympic fortnight reporting for BBC Radio 5 live on Team GB’s successes, including Samantha Murray bagging our 65th and final medal with modern pentathlon silver at Greenwich Park.

Summer break earned, Fell decided to take five and jetted off to Biarritz. And how many nights was she away for? That’s right. Seven.

| 55

Extra time Grooming in the bauhaus style

Go against the grain

£208

Proper shaving’s a lost art, and a shaving brush is not just a paintbrush for your face

eShave O Stand Shaving Set

Ted

eShave’s O Stand is, apparently, designed in the Bauhaus architectural style — Bauhaus being a school in the German city of Weimar that, in the 1920s, combined crafts and the fine arts and whose founder was architect Walter Gropius. Aside from that unassailably cool design influence, the brass and nickelplated stand does a fine job of presenting you with the eShave five-blade razor in the same manner as you might expect from your own personal shaving butler. The razor handle, like the badger-hair brush, is made from Lucite — a lighter, shatterresistant alternative to glass that sits comfortably in your hand and is graceful in use, and takes Gillette Fusion refill blades. It also comes in alternative colours including green, blue or white — which would no doubt have old Gropius himself slicing through his whiskers with pride. nivenandjoshua.com

upRiGht and pROpeR

the italian MOistuRiseR anGle

Molton Brown Sartorial Collection Shaving Kit

Acqua di Parma Deluxe Razor, Brush and Stand

Molton Brown’s first shaving collection for men is, it insists, “all about the details”, with each element selected for its performance, resilience and dapper good looks. The black, chrome-plated razor features a disposable Gillette Fusion blade and is a pleasure to hold; the weighted brush is made in the same style, and bristles with the finest badger hair from Germany while creaming up a rich lather; and both sit in a double stand that lets them air-dry on your bathroom shelf. All of which leaves you free to give yourself a knowing wink in the mirror of a morning, and feel every inch the smug gent you bloody are. moltonbrown.co.uk

The even distribution of weight at the base of the handle of this stylish Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere Shaving Razor provides a steady grip, while the swivel head adjusts to the contours of your face and ensures a perfect smooth shave.

The brush is, as you’d expect, made from the best quality badger bristle. It’s a product of Italian craftsmanship so fine it had us jauntily raising an eyebrow and mouthing ‘si’ to ourselves as part of our pre-shave routine. At £349, it’s a pricey beast — but a luxurious one too.

Harrods, only in store

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£195

£349

Thrills and spills Readers — please detach the washable keyboard featured here from your computer before attempting to rinse it

1 2

3

4

5 1. Logitech K310 Washable Keyboard

2. Canon PowerShot SX500 IS

3. ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity

4. Photo Cube Smartphone Printer

You can immerse this keyboard in as much water as you want, as long as you don’t get the cable wet. It’s got 12 hotkeys that let you access your most frequently used programs, although we dread to think which programs they might be for the kind of person who needs a washable keyboard. £35 | logitech.com

Restrictions on lens size at the Olympic Park, coupled with our seats being in a different postcode to the sporting action, made for a disappointing set of photos. This 16-megapixel camera crams a 30x optical zoom into a petite frame, and Canon’s ZoomPlus technology can extend that as far as 60x. £279 | canon.co.uk

This is the latest trend, it seems — tablets that come with a detachable or foldaway keyboard. We’re fans; you get all the touchscreen tactility without the frustration of trying to type on a tablet. Plus you can freak people out by pretending to snap it in half.

Hours of fun, out today. £600 | amazon.co.uk

Looks like an iPod dock, but instead of pumping out tinny music, it churns out photoquality 6x4 prints of the snaps you’ve got on your smartphone.

At £20 for a cartridge with enough ink for 36 photos, the convenience isn’t that cheap, but it definitely beats standing in the queue at Boots. £120 | firebox.com

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5. Huawei Ascend P1 What do you mean, you’ve never heard of them? Chinese manufacturer Huawei are the biggest telecommunications company in the world. This particular model is super-slim at under 8mm, runs Ice Cream Sandwich on a dual core processor and has front and rear cameras. So there you go.

Free on £26pm contract | vodafone.co.uk

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

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Extra time Games

Death hath some dominion

In association with 360, PS3, PC

Assassins, dark souls and a boxing velociraptor inhabit our pick of the best new and upcoming games releases 360, PS3

Resident Evil 6 This is Capcom’s biggest and most ambitious game ever, with more cash and manpower invested in the technology and gorgeous visuals – and it shows, with this edition able to render some seriously high-octane set-pieces. Crucially, there’s greater variation – with three separate stories and co-op and competitive multiplayer options. It’s a globe-trotting, dramatic horror experience that proves surprisingly fun.

Release date October 2

360, PS3

Dishonored Playing as a wronged master assassin who uses supernatural powers to take out his targets, you can possess people, teleport and see through walls.

That said, the game is designed so you don’t actually have to kill anyone to complete your missions. Should you choose to, however, pure stealth will allow you to creep in, kill your prey, then slip away unnoticed. Tidy.

Release date October 12

60 | August 31 2012 |

Borderlands 2 First-person shooters are fun on your own, but better with pals.

Thus, Borderlands 2 has you working together to take out enemies and collect loot. Millions of randomly generated guns mean you could find a rifle that shoots acid or a flamethrower that heals your buddies. And each playable

360, PS3, Wii, PC

character has its own unique skill – the Gunzerker, for example, can wield two weapons at a time, whereas the Siren can freeze enemies. The game’s huge open world will keep you blasting away for hours. You can enjoy it on your own – just maybe not as much.

Release date September 21

360, PS3

PC

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition

Don’t worry, Michael Bay hasn’t been anywhere near this. It’s a slick third-person shooter in the mould of Gears of War, pitching Autobots against Decepticons in an all-out blamfest on the Transformers’ homeworld of Cybertron.

About six million times better than the films.

Release date Out now

This rock-hard RPG returns on PC with a new area to explore and new weapons to master. This isn’t an RPG for the faint of heart – death comes thick and fast, and it’s even possible for other human players to invade your world and loot your hard-earned wares.

Release date Out now

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Fans of 1999’s Tekken Tag Tournament know that adding an extra fighter to each side brings depth and complexity. Those who don’t feel they have the time or inclination to study a roster of more than 50 fighters, however, can still enjoy suplexing a kangaroo while fighting as a boxing velociraptor.

What’s not to like?

Release date September 14